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Spotlight Reviews for Rehabs Serving Gaming
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The World Health Organization (WHO) defines gaming addiction as severely impaired control over gaming, leading to negative consequences in work, school, social, and family life. This can look like prioritizing gaming over other activities and gaming more often, despite negative consequences. It can happen at any age, but is more likely in teens. Online video games allow players to chat and interact in real-time with other gamers across the globe, which can pressure you to be online at the same time as your friends.
Gaming activates (and changes) the same areas of the brain as addictive substances do, which is how gaming can turn into an addiction.
Yes, many centers focus specifically on treating behavioral addictions, including gaming. Many rehab centers will also treat co-occurring mental health disorders like depression alongside behavioral addictions. You can attend several levels of treatment for gaming. These include:
Each level of care will likely involve 1-on-1 and group therapy sessions led by professionals. Therapeutic methods and treatment plans will vary based on your symptoms, medical history, age, and other unique factors. Most programs will offer some forms of evidence-based therapy throughout your treatment.
Joining a peer support group may also be part of your treatment and ongoing recovery. Examples of these groups include Gaming Addicts Anonymous (GAA) and On-Line Gamers Anonymous. These groups offer peer support, encouragement, and a community to connect with.
As a recently recognized addiction, little research has shown a path to gaming addiction recovery. However, therapists identify cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a primary and effective treatment method. In CBT, you’ll explore the thoughts and emotions that trigger excessive gaming. This can help you learn new ways to find enjoyment, manage stress, and cope with strong emotions—without turning to gaming.
New hobbies and activities also help with gaming addiction. Sports can provide multiple benefits, including better physical and mental health. Playing sports creates a similar environment to online gaming, allowing you to work towards a common goal with a team.
While some antidepressants have also had success in treating gaming addiction, researchers agree a combination of treatment methods offer the most promise.
Psychiatrists and therapists often use a combination of different therapies depending on the unique presentation of your gaming addiction. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medication in addition to therapy, in appropriate cases. Ultimately, treatment aims to help the patient develop healthy coping skills and strategies to manage gaming addiction.
Here are a few strategies you can try to regulate your gaming yourself:
If you have a gaming addiction or suspect one in someone you love, you may have noticed one or more of the following signs:
Your child, friend, or loved one may overreact or become defensive if you address their gaming habits. They may also seem unduly distressed if you remove their video game console or threaten to take it away. You may also notice they gravitate towards online friendships while neglecting in-person friends, or suddenly seeing socializing as unnecessary.
Anyone who spends time gaming risks developing a gaming addiction. But these are some of the key risk factors:
Gaming addiction can do long-term damage to your physical and mental health. In-game purchases can also deplete your finances over time. Gaming addiction can separate you from life beyond your screen, negatively impacting your relationships with family and friends, your ability to take care of responsibilities, and other hobbies.
You also risk medical issues like eye strain, carpal tunnel, malnourishment, and back pain.
Relapsing with gaming is possible. Seeking professional treatment can help you understand your triggers and treat the root causes of the gaming addiction to prevent future relapses. Most gaming treatment programs offer relapse prevention planning, aftercare, and connections to additional resources, like support groups.
A recurrence doesn’t mean your treatment failed. It just means you need additional help to get your recovery back on track.
If you’ve been clinically diagnosed with gaming addiction, then you may be eligible to receive Family and Medical Leave Act support (FMLA). The FMLA ensures that you do not lose your job when taking necessary time away to heal from a serious health condition, for up to 12 weeks. If a professional determines your gaming addiction seriously impacts your life and health, you may qualify. This act also guarantees that you retain the same terms of employment that you originally had prior to your leave.
What’s provided in your FMLA may vary and has requirements for eligibility. You can talk with your doctor, your Human Resources (HR) department, a disability lawyer, or look online for more information on FMLAs.
Identifying potential questions ahead of time may help you navigate the beginnings of treatment and choose a provider. You can make an appointment with your primary care physician, psychologist, or therapist and ask the following questions for additional clarity.
Together, you and your treatment team can create a recovery plan customized to your unique needs and situation.
Residential rehab offers you or your loved one the opportunity to start anew in a setting tailored to your needs. With a variety of available options, one is sure to be perfect for you.